Abstract : Since the 1st January 2007, PM10 monitoring network in France has evolved, in order to account for volatile fraction of PM10. This evolution permitted the observation of high peaks of PM10 during spring 2007. Concentrations during these peaks would have been largely underestimated with measuring techniques used before 2007. A study, coupling chemical and modelling approach of the phenomenon has been launched by LCSQA (Laboratoire Central de Surveillance de la Qualité de l'Air), in collaboration with several AASQA (Association Agrée de Surveillance de la Qualité de l'Air, air monitoring network). Chemical analysis of PM10 show that ammonium nitrate is the component at the origin of the observed peaks. The French forecasting system for air quality Prév'Air (www.prevair.org) largely underestimated the peaks, and especially ammonium nitrate concentrations. A sensibility study shows that emissions due to agricultural practices seem to be at the origin of the peaks. The necessity of reconsidering these emissions as a function of meteorological conditions (especially the temperature) is highlighted